Some of my most memorable meals have been Tasting Menus – wine-pairing dinners in which I’ve turned the reins over to the sommelier to lead me in pairing directions that I probably wouldn’t have traveled on my own, and I can honestly say that I’ve never been disappointed. I’m a big fan of variety, and pairing menus offer just that. Last weekend my wife, some friends, and I spent a wonderful Saturday evening dining at the fine restaurant
La Toque, in Rutherford (Napa Valley). Each of us ordered the wine pairing with the 5-course tasting menu. We unanimously agreed that the meal and the wine pairings could not have been better. The sommelier, Scott Tracy, was extremely knowledgeable on the wines he was serving, and explained the provenance of each one prior to pouring. Here is the menu for that night along with the wine pairings. I’ve included Vinfolio selections that can easily substitute for each pairing wine. Perhaps you will be inspired to create your own wine-pairing meal at home!
1st course
Chilled White and Green Asparagus Soups
2006 Vignalta Pinot Bianco
Colli Euganei, Veneto, Italy
Substitute: 2005 Terlano - Pinot Bianco Vorberg
Marshall Island Big Eye Tuna with Sesame Vinaigrette,
Wasabi Kizami and Japanese Pickles
2006 Weingut Brundlmayer
Gruner Veltliner, Alte Reben, Kamptal
Substitute: 2006 Knoll, Emmerich - Gruner Veltliner Ried Loibenberg Smaragd
2nd course
Alaskan Halibut with Fennel, Sunchoke and Ruby Shrimp with Pastis
2006 Chateau La Nerthe
Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, Rhone Valley
Substitute: 2006 Vieux Donjon - Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc
Dayboat Sea Scallop with Saffron,
Fatted Calf Spanish Chorizo and Fried Baby Fava Beans
2005 Signorello Chardonnay
Vielles Vignes, Estate, Napa Valley
Substitute: 2005 Maldonado - Chardonnay Los Olivos Vineyard
3rd course
Liberty Duck with Soft Polenta and Pear Poached in Red Wine
2004 Fiddlehead Pinot Noir
Fiddlestix Vineyard, Santa Rita Hills
Substitute: 2004 Fiddlehead - Pinot Noir 728 Fiddlestix Vineyard
Seared Artisan Foie Gras and Broiled Freshwater Eel
with Forbidden Rice and Sweet Soy
2006 Ken Wright Pinot Noir, Savoya Vineyard
Yamhill-Carlton, Willamette Valley
Substitute: 2006 Sineann - Pinot Noir Covey Ridge Vineyard
4th Course
Scottish Salmon with Parsnip, Braised Salsify,
Black Trumpets and Thyme Jus
2005 Detert Cabernet Franc
Oakville
Niman Ranch Beef Sirloin with Cheddared Pearl Tapioca,
Blue Lake Beansand Red Wine Foie Gras Sauce
2004 Sophie's Rows Cabernet Sauvignon
Emilio's Terrace, Estate, Oakville
Substitute: 2004 Phelps, Joseph - Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard
Porcini Ravioli with Ricotta, Reggiano Parmesan and English Peas
2006 Lioco Pinot Noir
Hirsch Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
Substitute: 2006 Hirsch - Pinot Noir Estate
Dessert
Pont-Aven Meyer Lemon Meringue Tart with Strawberry Sorbet
2004 JC Cellars Late Harvest Viognier
Substitute: 2006 Ojai - Viognier Ice Wine Roll Ranch
Chocolate Espresso "Pot de Creme" with Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti
Meyer Family Port
